The Gran Sasso Trail: a new group adventure with a local guide in the heart of Abruzzo.
If you love long-distance walks, this 60 km loop itinerary divided into five stages will lead you through extraordinary landscapes and historic villages, offering an authentic and memorable trekking experience-ideal for those with a good level of fitness.

Starting from Fonte Cerreto, at the base of the Gran Sasso cable car, you will reach iconic places such as Campo Imperatore, famous for its vast plateaus, and the Scoppaturo Canyon, a natural set for numerous films.
The route then continues toward charming villages like Castel del Monte, guardian of ancient traditions, and the imposing Rocca Calascio, one of the highest and most evocative fortresses in Italy. You will also explore Santo Stefano di Sessanio, with its intricate medieval alleys, and Barisciano, surrounded by pristine nature.
If you can stay one extra day, seize the chance to climb Corno Grande with a guide-the highest peak in the Apennines. It's optional, but unmissable for true mountain lovers.

Over these five days, you will fully experience the wild nature of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, discovering local flora, fauna and the distinctive flavors of Abruzzo's cuisine. Your days will be enriched by historical and cultural stories that will make every step a journey through the traditions of this extraordinary region.

Travel Program

Day 1:

From Campo Imperatore to Castel del Monte

The Gran Sasso Trail begins in the morning at the Campo Imperatore cable car station at 2,100 meters. Some in the group will arrive just in time to grab their backpacks and set off, while those coming from farther away may opt for an additional night in Fonte Cerreto.
We walk past the small church of Madonna della Neve and head toward Vado di Corno, where a breathtaking panorama awaits us on both sides of the Gran Sasso range-and, if we're lucky, the view stretches all the way to the Adriatic Sea.
Today's stage, one of the longest of the trail, leads us past the ruins of the Church of Sant'Egidio and to the Scoppaturo Canyon at 1,475 meters, where the film Trinity Is Still My Name was shot. After 6�\"7 hours of hiking, we reach our accommodation in Castel del Monte.

Route info (approx.): 22 km, +350 m ascent, �\"1150 m descent

Day 2:

From Castel del Monte to Rocca Calascio

The second stage of our group trek in Abruzzo takes us through the splendid villages of Castel del Monte and Calascio, perched on the southeastern slope of the mountain, where the famous Rocca Calascio stands.
We walk easily through cultivated fields and farms, eventually reaching the ruins of the ancient settlement of Colle della Battaglia. The reward for today's efforts is a guided visit to Rocca Calascio, named by National Geographic as one of the 15 most beautiful castles in the world.
Today's stage is short, giving us time to explore Calascio's historic center.

Route info (approx.): 9 km, +400 m ascent

Day 3:

From Rocca Calascio to Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Today's hike is the shortest of the Gran Sasso Trail, but no less rich in interesting highlights. The path allows for an easy walk that helps us recover our energy while offering incredible views over ancient terraced fields once cultivated with lentils, spelt and wheat.
Once in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, we drop our backpacks in our rooms and relax among the narrow streets of one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" and of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga Park.

Route info (approx.): 5 km, +350 m ascent

Day 4:

From Santo Stefano di Sessanio to Barisciano

After exploring the charming corners of Santo Stefano di Sessanio (1,251 m), we continue with the fourth stage of the Gran Sasso Trail-a mostly downhill route that takes us from Santo Stefano di Sessanio to Barisciano at 940 meters.
Today's trek offers breathtaking views, especially near the Piana delle Locce, where we can admire the ancient locce, caves carved into the rock by Cistercian monks.
Along the way, the majestic peak of Corno Grande accompanies us, providing unique scenery.

Route info (approx.): 7.5 km, +600 m ascent

Day 5:

From Barisciano to Fonte Cerreto

We continue our group trek across the spectacular plateaus of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. This slightly uphill stage leads us to the peaceful oasis of the former San Colombo Convent (1,088 m) and the small temple of Sant'Eusanio.
In about five hours, this hike brings together history, nature, and the beauty of sustainable tourism in Abruzzo, making every step truly unforgettable. Our guided group adventure has come to an end: we can now head home or stay overnight for tomorrow's optional excursion.

Route info (approx.): 16 km, +620 m ascent

Day 6 (optional):

Ascent to Corno Grande

If we have stayed an extra night in L'Aquila or Fonte Cerreto, it means we've chosen to crown our trekking week with a guided ascent to Corno Grande.
From Campo Imperatore at 2,100 meters, we begin climbing toward the Duca degli Abruzzi Refuge and then along the ridge near the Calderone cirque.
With our expert guide, we follow the increasingly steep and rocky path until we reach the summit at 2,912 meters. From here, the view stretches 360° over the Apennine ranges and the Adriatic Sea, just 30 kilometers away.
We return to Fonte Cerreto around 4:00 pm.

Route info (approx.): +800 m ascent and �\"800 m descent, about 8 hours